The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia on Tuesday approved Dalton State College’s applications to offer a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies and to participate in an online Organizational Leadership program, bringing to 16 the number of four-year degrees offered by the college.
Both new degree programs are specifically geared to working learners who want to earn a bachelor’s degree, according to Dr. Sandra Stone, vice president for Academic Affairs. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies “should be particularly attractive to returning adult students who want to maximize previously earned credits or to earn credits through the use of Prior Learning Assessments,” said Stone. “It will provide graduates with the communication, analytical, critical thinking, research, and writing skills so important to today’s changing job market.”
The online degree program in Organizational Leadership represents the University System’s first collaborative effort to provide a USG bachelor’s degree program delivered completely in a virtual environment. Participating students will take core curriculum classes through the System’s eCore system and then concentrate in one of several areas.
Valdosta State University contributes concentrations in public service administration, office administration and technology, legal office administration, and law enforcement leadership; Dalton State will contribute a health care administration track and will expand the options for all students in the eMajor.
“This Organizational Leadership eMajor will help meet growing occupational demands in Northwest Georgia that require advanced leadership skills,” Dr. Stone said. “Department of Labor projections call for 45 percent growth in ambulatory health care services, 29 percent growth in hospitals, and a 27 percent increase in nursing and residential care facilities by 2018,” she said.
“Both of these new degree programs offer flexibility for adult students anxious to begin or resume a college education,” said Dalton State President Dr. John O. Schwenn. “We are proud to add them to our lineup, and we have several more degree program applications in various stages of completion.”
Enrollment in both new programs begins immediately, Dr. Stone said. Those needing more information are invited to call Dalton State College at 706 272-4436.